//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: My Little Old Republic: Trouble on Tython // by AidanMaxwell //------------------------------// Chapter 8 Jedi Temple, Tython After a good night’s sleep, Rarity awoke early the next morning and slipped off her sleeping mask. The sun was rising beyond her window, barely poking over the horizon, still casting its sunrise oranges and reds over the predominantly green landscape of Tython. Sweetie Belle was sprawled over the bunk beside Rarity’s, snoring quietly and dressed once again in normal Jedi attire rather than the white robes of the New Order. Rarity smiled down on her little sister and kissed her gently on the forehead before moving to the window. Out her window, she could see a balcony on the back of the Temple. High above the grounds protruded a watching platform with ornate marble railings, and on that balcony stood Master Lemep. Rarity barely recognized him in the clothes he was wearing; in stark contrast to the black, flowing robes he normally wore, he had on a brown jumpsuit with several pockets, and sported a white leather vest over it. The color configuration elicited an impressed smile from Rarity, who quickly dressed in her robes and cantered out of her room, toward the balcony. When she arrived, Master Lemep turned to greet her. “Good morning.” “Good morning, Master.” “That was good thinking yesterday, not trying to fight with Glass Bowl. He was much stronger in the Force than you, as much as I hate to admit it.” “It was Applejack’s idea,” Rarity confessed. “She thought I could reason with him.” “And likewise, it was wise of her to be ready to fight,” Master Lemep added. “She knew it would not end peacefully, if your encounter in the cave was any indication to Glass Bowl’s intention.” “Master... I have questions.” “Call me Atuna.” Rarity blinked. Atuna sat on a marble bench and leaned against the balcony, patting the seat beside him. “Sit with me, this might take a while.” Rarity sat down beside Atuna and sighed. “So much of the last two days still doesn’t make sense, and, if I may be so blunt, I feel as though you are responsible for a lot of it, darling.” “I am, indirectly,” Atuna replied. “After the encounter yesterday with Glass Bowl, I feel as though I owe you and Applejack both an apology. I knew what I was getting you both into, but I underestimated the opposition, and the lengths to which they were willing to go for his revolution. He was far more dangerous than I had originally thought. Far more delusional.” “This was all a test, you said,” Rarity continued. “Can you elaborate more?” “I believe I explained it sufficiently before. I’m preparing you and Applejack for your destinies. I foresee you both being splendid Jedi, traveling the galaxy, defeating evil wherever it lurks, and using your unique skills to complement one another. Applejack’s direct, frontal approached to problems and your tempered, nuanced rule-hugging will bounce off one another when they need to. For example, a group of thugs that cannot be reasoned with will not be something you could handle efficiently, whereas Applejack may not know how to interact with an edgy diplomat. “However, I designed this mission so that I can expose you both to the opposite ends of the spectrum. I hope that you, Rarity, have learned to see the benefit to rule-bending, and that you can seek knowledge by any means when it is in the best interest of your convictions. Applejack has demonstrated great strides in learning the value of patience and deliberation rather than blind action, and has also learned to observe the bigger picture instead of focusing on herself.” “Alright, I understand that much,” Rarity said thoughtfully, “but how involved are you in what happened? What actions have you done to make this work in your favor?” “Besides what I already told you, about Callef and the shuttle schedules, nothing. Everything fell into place as I foresaw, and you two played your parts to the letter.” “You keep referencing to foreseeing things.” “I’m a prolific predictor of the future. Centuries of study and practice have made me strong in the Force, and often, it grants me limited foresight on events to come. Many powerful Jedi can accomplish such feats, so it is not unheard of to have my power.” “Centuries?” Rarity echoed. “How old are you?” For the first time since Rarity had met him, Atuna seemed to frown. “Too old.” “Too old?” “I am not young, despite my appearance. Normally my race live about the expected lifespan of a normal pony, but a science experiment gone wrong has frozen me in time. I’ve searched for a long time for a way to reverse it... I want to grow old, to be an adult in body, not just in mind.” “You’re... you’re immortal?” Rarity stammered. “Not immortal,” Atuna corrected, his frown increasing. He sighed slowly. “Just... aging very very slowly. I’m a few years over two hundred. According to my estimations, I’ll live to be several thousand years old before I decrepify.” “You sound like that’s a bad thing, darling! Ponies would give anything to live so long.” “I like how you believe me at my word,” Atuna replied with a grim smirk. “I never got to experience growing up, is the problem. I grew into an adult mentally, but not physically. It has dramatically changed who I am. I used to be fun, loose, and generous with my time and money. Now I’m uptight, cold, calculating... put-off-ish. Worst of all, I have to keep it a secret, which makes me seem elusive and, ultimately, untrustworthy. It’s as you said before: you’re not sure you can trust me. Nopony does, not fully. All of this is a side effect of that stupid experiment.” “So you’re an old stallion who exists in the shell of a younger pony.” “Yes,” Atuna said with a nod. “And... the reason it frustrates me so much is... layered. I never experienced a middle age. I remained young forever, in many ways. I’ve graduated college seven times, and obtained several degrees in history, science, mathematics and linguistics. I’ve been to two different Jedi academies and graduated from them both. I’ve had many masters, and I have apprenticed many students. But as a side effect to my condition, I... I still lust after mares, I desire to have a family, and get married someday... I’ve never had a first kiss, or been on a date, or even had a fillyfriend... I still love to play games, and make jokes at the expense of others. I never truly grew up. I’m still... in a lot of ways, I’m still a child.” Rarity’s shoulders sagged. “That’s... so sad.” “And sometimes I feel like everything will get better, and that I can find love someday,” Atuna said quickly, a small flicker of hope in his voice. The hope faded almost instantly. “But then I remember my ties to the Jedi... how I maintain them out of sheer drive to learn. That is all I am, Rarity. I am a knowledge seeker, one who blindly pursues wisdom and power. One of the perks to my long life is I can gather more knowledge than a typical pony over a longer period of time. My dream is to obtain as much as I can, store it somewhere safe, and share it with those who would come seeking to learn, as I did. Like a galactic librarian, of sorts. And along the way, I get to make the galaxy a safer place, and help those who need it. Seems like a decent gig, yes?” “So that’s why you’re here, isn’t it?” Rarity asked, putting a hoof on Atuna’s. He looked at it with a surprised frown. “You came to find the lost archives of the Je’daii.” “Yes, and when I found them, I locked myself in the chamber where the datacrons rested and spent three whole days listening to the words of the ancient masters. I didn’t eat or sleep. When I emerged, I was a mess, but I was a smarter, wiser individual for it.” “And how long ago was that?” “A month ago.” “Then why did you stay so long after that?” Atuna put his other hoof on Rarity’s. “As corny as it sounds, I stayed for you. You, and Applejack. The Force has directed me to you so that I can prepare you for your destinies. I waited, patiently, for the time to come, and when it did, I acted on the will of the Force. I gave Callef the shuttle schedule and he brought it to Glass Bowl, who directed the kidnapping of your sisters. I showed you and Applejack the way, and you ventured alone, succeeded through determination and skill, adapting and changing as you went.” “All this for me and Applejack?” Rarity asked. “To seek wisdom, one must act in accordance with the Force, for it is the true source of knowledge. If I am to attain my dream, I must allow it to direct my actions from time to time. Sometimes, that means deviating from what I want.” “Does the Force ever tell you not to marry? Not to have kids, or live the life you never had?” Atuna stopped. His mouth hung open for a moment, and he pondered the question. After a moment of silence, he lifted his hood away from his eyes and stared blankly at the marble floor. The sparkling white pearls shone in the orange sunlight, reflecting back on Rarity’s face like beautiful gems. “I don't know anymore,” Atuna replied in a murmur. “The more I think about it, the less I enjoy being a Jedi. Rules are meant to be broken sometimes, and celibacy was never my thing.” “Well, I certainly hope you find the love you seek,” Rarity said with a smile. “Whether it be in books, or with a girl, or in playing extravagantly elaborate pranks on unsuspecting Jedi Knights.” Atuna laughed curtly, but made no immediate reply. Instead, he looked down at his hooves and folded them cautiously, as though he was unsure about what he was thinking. “I... I see a possible future where I do find the love I desire.” “And?” “It’s with you, Rarity.” Rarity blinked. “Me? Darling, I’m-” “-a Jedi, and you have no desire to associate with the megalomaniac that nearly got you, your best friend, and your respective sisters killed on more than one occasion any longer than you have to. I know.” “I wasn’t... going to say...I just don’t think we could make it work, darling. You’re a bit older than me, and we have such different outlooks on life.” Atuna shook his head and smiled ruefully. “The future is always in motion. I cannot say with any level of certainty what will happen tomorrow, or next week, or in either of our respective futures.” “I’ve never really thought about love before,” Rarity admitted. “I suppose the Jedi Code has always lingered over those thoughts, like a wall.” Atuna stood up abruptly and moved toward the door leading back into the Temple. “Wait!” Rarity called out, standing up. “Where are you going?” “Not sure,” Atuna said evenly. “The Force has directed me to Cowlick Station, for whatever reason. I’m leaving today, with no real intent to return. I’ve resigned my position on the Council.” Rarity moved to Atuna’s side and looked him over. “Then I’ll never see you again?” “Who knows. You’re off to bigger and better things, and I will continue my pursuit for knowledge. It is impossible to say if our paths will cross again.” Atuna felt a hoof grab his right cheek that slowly pulled his face toward Rarity. When he turned to look at her, he felt her lips press against his with sweet gentility. His eyes fluttered closed and his mind went fuzzy, but within a moment the sensation ended. Rarity wiped her mouth off against her robes and cleared her throat, and Atuna stood as still a stone, dazed by the sudden experience. “That,” Rarity said quietly, “was so you can say you’ve at least had a first kiss.” Atuna blinked. -~-~-~-~-~ Later that morning, Sweetie Belle and Rarity made their way down to the medical ward to visit Dust Bowl and Fluttershy. Ponies moved through the hallways of the Temple with unusual infrequency, but the few Rarity saw stopped to congratulate her on her accomplishments and thanked her for her good work. The news of Rarity and Applejack’s secret mission had spread through the Temple, and now everypony was hailing them as saviors. “Wow, sis,” Sweetie Belle said cheerfully. “You’re like a superstar now!” “Oh Sweetie, I-... You really think so?” “Sure! Everypony’s really really impressed with how you and Applejack singlehoofedly disassembled the New Order thingy. You’re-” Sweetie Belle face-planted into a yellow pegasus pony wandering around the halls. Fluttershy stepped back and looked down at her hooves apologetically. “Oh, I’m sorry...” she murmured. “I should’ve been watching where I was going.” “No no, Fluttershy, darling, it’s alright!” Rarity interjected quickly. “Sweetie Belle, apologize this instant!” “Sorry Fluttershy.” “It’s okay,” she replied sweetly. “It’s good to see you, darling,” Rarity said with a smile. “How is Dust Bowl?” “Not too good,” Fluttershy admitted. “He’s in a lot of grief. His wounds are healed, but his heart has been torn by his father’s words. Back in the village, when he mentioned how his mother would feel... well, Glass Bowl actually killed Dust Bowl’s mother when he was young.” Rarity’s ears flattened. “Oh no...” “Apparently, Dust Bowl’s parents were both villagers in Kalikori,” Fluttershy continued. “In a fit of rage, Glass Bowl murdered his wife, and he was exiled from the community for domestic violence charges. He came back the night after and kidnapped Dust Bowl, and raised him out in the wilderness to be one of his disciples. He didn’t find out until yesterday, when the Matriarch showed him the obituary from all those years ago.” “How tragic,” Rarity said mournfully. “I hope he finds peace in the Force...” “He... he seems to do better when I’m around,” Fluttershy murmured with a blush. “I think I might stay with him for a little while longer. Just to help him recover.” “That sounds like a splendid idea.” Fluttershy nodded and smiled at Rarity. “Thank you, Master Jedi. For everything.” “Please, darling, call me Rarity.” “Oh, I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to call you the wrong name. I hope you’re not mad at me. Please forgive me. You will forgive me, won’t you?” Before Rarity could reply, Applejack galloped down the hallway and ran straight up to Rarity and Fluttershy, panting heavily. “Rarity... Ah... gotta...” “Yes?” “Master... Atuna needs... us rah’ght... away.” “Whatever for?” Applejack regained her composure and took a deep breath. “He didn’t say. All he said was ‘Go fetch Rarity an’ bring her quick as a cricket.’” “Yes, I’m sure that’s exactly how he said it,” Rarity replied with a snicker. Fluttershy giggled under her breath at the remark. “Lead on, Applejack. I’ll follow you.” Applejack stopped and smiled at the thought of being a leader, but nodded a second later and motioned for Rarity to follow her downstairs. -~-~-~-~-~ Every pony in the Temple was gathered into the central chamber once again. This time, the Council members were circled around the center instead of up on the overhanging balcony, and everypony was waiting for two more Jedi to arrive instead of listening to a speech. As Applejack and Rarity entered, applause broke out through the crowd, and cheers of delight echoed over the chamber. “What’s all this?” Applejack asked, leaning closer to Rarity. “No idea,” Rarity replied, taking a wary step forward. The throng parted to make a path for the two heroes that had saved Tython, but every so often a pony would step from the crowd and attempt to shake hooves with Rarity and Applejack. Master Satele stood in the center of the room and motioned them closer, and upon arrival, pulled them to her side. “My fellow Jedi,” she began, “these two mares have gone above and beyond our call to serve the Galaxy in the last two days, successfully rescuing fallen and lost members of our order, dismantling a corrupt organization, and bringing peace to our beloved homeworld.” The crowd cheered, but fell quiet when Satele held up her hoof to silence them. “Because of their efforts, we have begun negotiations with the Matriarch of Kalikori Village in an attempt to win legal settlement rights with the Republic. Tython shall no longer be the world the Jedi claim as home, but rather, we will share it with the ponies we’ve sworn to protect. No more isolation, and no more hiding behind the Republic. The Jedi have returned to the Galaxy. “Moreover, the Flesh Raiders have been pacified and pushed back to their homelands beyond the Tythos Ridge. Our ecologists and xenobiologists have determined that the New Order’s hold over the clans has been broken, and the aliens are back to where they belong. The ponies among their ranks have been treated and are being held until such a time when judgment can be passed. We hope that every single one decides to join our numbers, and we’ve already succeeded on a number of counts. More reason to celebrate, right everypony?” Another round of applause and gleeful cheers rang out. “For their efforts, Padawan Applejack and Knight Rarity shall be commended.” Master Satele moved over to Master Ohrum, who had in her hooves a box with two silver medallions inside. Satele took one and placed it over Rarity’s head. “Knight Rarity, I pronounce you an honorary member of the Tython Jedi Council. You have displayed wisdom, clarity, and a thirst for pure knowledge, and you shall be elevated to the position of Jedi Master.” Rarity’s eyes widened, and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “This is such an honor. Thank you, Master, thank you! Thank you!!” She started giggling shrilly. Master Satele looked to Applejack and frowned. “I’m afraid, however, all I can do for you, Padawan, is give you my thanks and a shiny medal.” “What?” Applejack replied, tilting her head to the side. Her left eyebrow shot up in confusion. “You’ve shown great improvement in the last couple days,” Master Satele elaborated, “but we feel as though you still have a ways to go in your training. Now that your training is over and your previous Master is departing, we wish to have your lightsabers returned to us.” She held out her hoof expectantly and waited for Applejack to surrender the lightsabers. The crowd fell silent, waiting with bated breath to see what happened next. A tear formed in Applejack’s eye, and she looked to Rarity for help. She found none, instead finding her friend as confused and sad as she was. Reluctantly, Applejack nodded and, with mournful, closed eyes and a defeated frown, picked the sabers off her belt and dropped them wordlessly into Satele’s hoof. Master Satele smiled. “Congratulations, Padawan Applejack. The Council recognizes you as a full-fledged member of our Order. You will be elevated to the status of a Jedi Knight, a vanguard of our Order, a defender of the peace, and a seeker of justice in a harsh and unforgiving galaxy. May the Force be with you, Knight Applejack.” The moment she heard the word ‘Knight’, Applejack instantly perked up and shot a toothy grin at Rarity. Her friend winked back, but said nothing. “These are yours to keep,” Master Satele continued, returning the sabers with a playful smile. “We only wanted to judge our decision on your reaction, and we believe this experience has shaped you for the better. You’ve passed our test, and you are a Padawan no longer.” “Thank ya kindly, ma’am,’ Applejack choked, tears starting to roll down her eyes. “You both shall travel to Coruscant as soon as we are able to arrange transport, so your names can be added to the Republic records personally. Then we have mercy missions and assignments for you to finish abroad. You may not see Tython again for quite some time, you two. I hope you’re ready for more adventure.” Rarity and Applejack looked at each other excitedly. “Everypony,” Master Satele called to the crowd as she placed a medal around Applejack’s neck, “give one last cheer for the Heroes of Tython: Master Rarity and Knight Applejack.” A roar of applause echoed across the chamber. Every stallion, colt, mare and filly was cheering as loud as they could, stamping their hooves and whistling with great joviality. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle broke from the crowd and tackled their sisters, happy to not only be reunited with them, but to see them elevated. Applejack drove her hoof playfully into her sister’s mane, relishing the experience. These were the ponies that, two days ago, had disregarded and shunned her, and now, after a life changing journey into the maw of the unknown, she emerged a respected and cherished member of a family larger than just Apple Bloom. Amid the dancing and cheering, however, a shadow lingered over Rarity’s mind. She was now a member of the Jedi Council, and it occurred to her that she had probably been given Master Lemep’s position. She turned to Master Satele and tugged on her robe to get her attention. “Master Satele, where is Master Lemep?” “Didn’t you hear?” she replied. “He’s resigned, effective immediately.” “Yes, I’ve heard,” Rarity said, “but that doesn’t answer my question. Where is he?” -~-~-~-~-~ “Everything ready to go, C7?” “Yes, Master,” replied the old Temple docking droid. “Your new Defender-class corvette has been delivered to Cowlick Station, and a shuttle awaits your arrival in the bay downstairs.” “Wonderful.” Atuna picked up his one suitcase, the bag with all the possessions he had accumulated on Tython inside, and strode up to the door. “Send word to have the shuttle prepped and ready. I’ll arrive in five minutes.” “Yes, Master.” Atuna turned to the door and opened it. Behind it was Rarity, standing in his way with an unhappy frown. “Oh, Master Rarity. Good to see you again. Excuse me-” “Not so fast,” she said quickly. Applejack appeared at her side a moment later. “You were going to leave without saying goodbye?” “I hate goodbyes,” he said simply, a hint of sorrow in his voice. “Y’er takin’ us with ya’.” Applejack poked his chest with her hoof and smiled playfully. “Y’er goin’ t’ah Cowlick Station, an’ we need a rah’de.” “We’ve spoken to Master Satele,” Rarity added, “and she said we must travel to Coruscant to have our titles adjusted with the Republic Jedi Embassy. She can’t arrange for another shuttle to arrive for a few days because somepony is taking the only one on Tython.” Atuna smirked. “Really. Imagine that.” “Master Atuna,” Applejack said quietly, her voice suddenly somewhat serious, “a lot has happened in the last couple days, an’ Rarity ain’t told me much. But Ah do know there ain’t no such thing as coincidences, an’ Ah know y’er directly responsible for a lot o’ stuff. Ah wanna know what you’ve done.” Atuna looked to Rarity, who shrugged back at him. His opal eyes narrowed at her. “Very well. It’s only fair you get an explanation. And what of you, Master Rarity? Why do you seek me out?” “I... I wanted to see you again,” Rarity admitted slowly. “If I am to seek knowledge, I suppose you’d be as good a place to start as any, hmm?” “You just won’t admit you have the hots for me.” Rarity’s face turned solid red. “Oh, you are absolutely infuriating!” She smacked Atuna across the face as both him and Applejack roared with laughter. “I deserved that,” Atuna chuckled as he rubbed his cheek. “By the Force, you did!” Rarity screamed. Atuna continued to smile and said nothing else. Rarity glared into his eyes and fell motionless, as though mesmerized by the pearly orbs. “Sorry I struck you like that,” she murmured, looking down apologetically at her hoof. “Again, I deserved it,” he replied simply. He put a hoof on her shoulder and drew her close, locking his lips onto her’s. Applejack’s eyes widened in shock. Rarity’s eyes slowly closed, and she wrapped a hoof subconsciously on his. The kiss lasted for a couple seconds, and when Rarity finally found the clarity to break away, Atuna smiled warmly. “That... was a thank you.” Rarity blinked. -~-~-~-~-~ The shuttle hissed steam as it prepared for takeoff. Atuna stood on the boarding ramp and waited patiently as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom said their goodbyes to Rarity and Applejack. Master Satele, Dust Bowl and Fluttershy watched from a distance, but started to move closer as the goodbyes began to wrap up. “When will y’all be comin’ back?” Apple Bloom asked behind tears. “Ah just got here. Ah don’t want y’all to leave yet...” “Ah dunno, sugarcube,” Applejack said quietly, rubbing her sister’s hair affectionately. “But you be strong while Ah’m gone, and you get your trainin’ done, ya’ hear? Listen to y’er masters, do what they say. Don’t make m’ah mistakes.” “‘kay, sis.” “Sweetie Belle, keep practicing,” Rarity said curtly, shaking her hoof at her sister with every other word. “I’ve made up a regiment for you that should help you master those pesky techniques that give you so much trouble. Do them every day, and try to have a Master oversee you when you do, so you don’t hurt yourself-” “Oh, will you just GO already?!” Sweetie Belle cried out. She grimaced at her sister, who smiled back. “And... remember that I love you, little sister.” Sweetie Belle’s grimace lifted into a smile, and she embraced Rarity in a heartfelt hug. “I... I love you too, big sis.” “Take care, and please... don’t forget to practice.” “I won’t.” Dust Bowl approached Rarity and Applejack as their sisters followed Master Satele out of the hangar. He had his hoof around Fluttershy, more for stability than for comfort. “Goodbye, Master Jedi. And to you as well, Applejack.” “Good luck, Dust Bowl,” Applejack replied, extending her hoof. “Ah’m sorry for the pain Ah caused you. Ah was a reckless fool then.” “And I forgive you,” Dust Bowl said with a nod, accepting the hoof in friendship. “Take care of him, Fluttershy,” Rarity said quietly, giving her a hug. “Stay safe, Rarity,” Fluttershy murmured. “And... thank you again... I’m sorry, I don’t mean to keep thanking you when I already have. I’m probably such a nuisance-” “Oh, Fluttershy...” Fluttershy started making low squeaking noises, as though she was embarrassed with herself, but Dust Bowl tightened his hold on her back, and she looked up at him and smiled slowly. Rarity and Applejack picked up their belongings and moved to the boarding ramp of the shuttle, seeing Atuna at the top. When they passed him, Rarity stopped and looked him in the eyes. It occurred to her that he had not replaced his hood since earlier that morning, and that his hair was neatly brushed around his head. “You look different,” she said under her breath. “Different how?” he replied equally quietly. “Younger. Handsome, almost.” “I’ve always been handsome,” he snickered, no longer keeping the conversation quiet. “You just haven’t noticed.” “Are you trying to provoke me, Master Lemep?” “The real question is, do you enjoy it, Master Rarity?” Applejack started making cooing noises, playfully nudging Rarity with her hoof, who swatted her away with a disdainful frown. Atuna shooed Applejack away, and she disappeared into the hull of the ship, but not before sticking her tongue out at them both. Rarity and Atuna sighed and again directed their attention to one another. “I know I can be a tease,” he admitted, “but... I care about you.” “I’m still not sure I trust you,” Rarity said pointedly. She folded her hooves across her chest. “Despite what you told me this morning, I cannot overlook the fact that you sent me and Applejack to what potentially could have been our deaths.” “I... I know.” “Something is bothering me though. At the end, when Glass Bowl was about to attack us... you intervened, like you said you would. Nopony made any mention of that when we got back to the Temple last night, or this morning. Me and Applejack were the Heroes of Tython. What about you?” “Me?” Atuna shrugged. “I told you, I do everything I can to be inconspicuous. My role in this Galaxy is not that of a hero. I shall remain unsung for as long as I live. It is how it must be.” “Thing are very black and white with you, I’ve noticed. You either can or can’t do, or have, something.” “And you,” he replied, “are slowly teaching me otherwise.” Rarity cocked her head, then looked behind her. Nopony remained in the hangar. Atuna was the only pony visible. “How do you mean?” “I’ve always looked to the Force for answers. In a lot of ways, I’ve devoted my life to learning. And now, with so much to look back on... I think it might do me good to pursue what I’ve missed.” “That’s... good. But what about your ties to the Jedi? Aren’t we forbidden to love?” “We’re forbidden to do a lot of things, Rarity my dear.” He took a step back and was about to enter into the shuttle when he stopped abruptly and turned back again. “I... I think I love you, Rarity. Do what you will with that information. But I will not keep it a secret from you.” Rarity nodded. “Somehow... I’ve known for a while.” “Since when?” “This morning. When I kissed you. The way you reacted, how you held yourself... you were smitten, darling.” “Well... now you know.” Atuna took a step forward again. “What will you do about it?” “I suppose,” Rarity said with a sly smile, “that we’ll have something to talk about on the trip, yes?” Atuna returned the smile. “So...” “I’m not saying no,” Rarity continued, walking past him. “We will discuss what it is we’re both after. I do have my obligations to the Council to consider, and I will not be endangering my new position as a Master. I do have a reputation to uphold.” The boarding ramp raised and the ship started spitting steam. After a few more seconds of prep, the shuttle lifted off and flew from the Temple hangar. Applejack looked out the window in time to see Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Dust Bowl, Fluttershy, and the Jedi Council waving from the courtyard. The landscape rapidly morphed, the forest receding into mountain ridges, where flocks of Flesh Raiders were migrating away from the Temple. Eventually the mountains shrank and the planet’s forests engulfed them once more. Applejack stayed at the window, breathlessly watching the scene unfold, until the ship finally broke the atmosphere and disappeared among the stars.